NYSC kidnap: 20 victims freed, police hunt abductors

Twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps who were abducted during transit from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have successfully regained their freedom.

The individuals were liberated seven days following their abduction on the Owerri-Onitsha thoroughfare in Umunoha, Imo State.

While comprehensive details regarding the rescue operation remain unavailable, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, verified this development through an official statement released on Wednesday, confirming that the victims have undergone medical evaluation and received appropriate medical care.

The captives were reportedly freed by a coordinated team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, and additional security personnel.

The victims were successfully recovered at approximately 4:28 pm on Wednesday in Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained and synchronized search-and-rescue initiatives executed by the security agencies.

Nevertheless, no information has been disclosed regarding the apprehension of the perpetrators, who remain at large.

The official police communication stated, "Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, operating in partnership with complementary security agencies, have effectively rescued the twenty prospective NYSC corps members who were taken captive in Imo State on 1st October, 2026.

''Following their successful recovery, the victims have undergone medical evaluation and received appropriate medical care as component of the post-rescue protocol."

Iniedu additionally revealed that ongoing efforts are being directed toward capturing those responsible for orchestrating the abduction, emphasizing that the police and allied security agencies have escalated operations to ensure accountability.

"The Nigeria Police Force expresses gratitude to the public for their cooperation and assistance and reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding lives and property and delivering prompt responses to public safety threats," the statement concluded.

The police indicated that supplementary information would be communicated subsequently.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, confirmed the release of the captives, saying, “The kidnapped graduates have been released. The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, confirmed this in a telephone conversation at about 5.00 pm today (Wednesday).”

He stated this in a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan.

A parent to one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said, “We cannot say anything for now. We are extremely overwhelmed. We received the news with happiness. I cannot say anything for now, please. We are truly happy. Let’s see them first or speak with them on the telephone.”

Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has commended the security agencies for what he described as their swift intervention that led to the safe release of the prospective 20 youth corps members.

In a personally signed statement released on Wednesday, the governor articulated that the state administration deliberately implemented a measured and synchronized strategy to prevent the dissemination of excessive information to the populace that might compromise ongoing investigations.

He appealed to Nigerians to place confidence in the Federal Government's capacity to address the security threats confronting the nation.

According to his remarks, the measured and synchronized approach employed by security agencies was essential to facilitate the secure restoration of the abducted individuals.

"Given that the matter pertained to the security of human lives, the government exercised prudence regarding the disclosure of extensive information to the public; consequently, the matter was managed with discretion."

The governor expressed his "particular appreciation to the security agencies for the measured and cooperative manner in which they addressed the situation."

Additionally, Uzodimma commended the parents and families of the prospective corps members for their forbearance and cooperation throughout the challenging period.

He provided assurance that the government would persist in endorsing initiatives designed to safeguard the welfare and possessions of inhabitants and promoting stability throughout the nation.

In related developments, the Imo State division of the All Progressives Congress has commended the successful restoration of the prospective corps members.

Dr Jones Onwuasoanya, Publicity Secretary for Imo APC, issued a statement declaring, "We celebrate alongside the families and kinfolk of these young patriots regarding their successful liberation, and recognize all the courageous security personnel who participated in this remarkable and well-orchestrated rescue mission for their competence, valor and patriotic commitment."

The party reaffirmed its commitment that the government would persistently pursue those accountable and guarantee that the state maintains security for both inhabitants and visitors.

20 of 30 graduates, who were traveling in two vehicles departing from Ibadan toward their NYSC orientation facility in Abia State, were abducted by alleged armed assailants

The abductors demanded N50 million each for the victims, amounting to N1 billion. They later reduced the ransom to N5 million per person, totalling N100 million.

The victims’ parents had appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the government for the rescue of their children.